🚗 Checklist: Buying a Car in Germany

From purchase through TÜV to registration — all steps to owning your own car in Germany.

German terms

Autokauf Kfz-Zulassung TÜV Kfz-Versicherung Fahrzeugbrief Zulassungsbescheinigung

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Set budget (purchase price + additional costs) Required

Kaufvertrag / Kaufnebenkosten

Plan additional costs: registration (~€30), license plates (~€30-50), insurance (€300-2,000/year), Kfz-Steuer, TÜV (approx. €100). For used cars: use ADAC purchase agreement.

Check TÜV / HU certificate Required

TÜV / Hauptuntersuchung (HU)

Main inspection (HU/TÜV) mandatory every 2 years. For used cars: check remaining validity! Costs approx. €100-150. No registration without valid TÜV.

Get Kfz-Versicherung (obtain eVB number) Required

Kfz-Haftpflichtversicherung / eVB-Nummer

MANDATORY before registration! Get eVB number (electronic insurance confirmation) online from your insurer. Liability insurance required, partial/full coverage optional. Compare: check24.de, verivox.de.

Kfz-Zulassungsstelle / Zulassungsbescheinigung

Bring: ID, eVB number, Fahrzeugbrief (Zulassungsbescheinigung part II), HU report if applicable, SEPA mandate for Kfz-Steuer. Online appointment recommended. Cost: approx. €30.

Get license plates embossed Required

Kfz-Kennzeichen

Order from sign maker at Kfz-Zulassung or online. Cost: approx. €30-50 for 2 plates. Custom license plates available for reservation fee (~€10-15).

Kfz-Steuer (automatic SEPA debit) Required

Kfz-Steuer / Hauptzollamt

Collected by Main Customs Office. Amount depends on engine capacity and CO2 emissions. Electric cars: tax-free for 10 years. SEPA mandate signed during registration.

For used cars: purchase agreement + re-registration Optional

Kaufvertrag / Kfz-Ummeldung

Use ADAC purchase agreement (free online). Have seller provide Fahrzeugbrief. Complete re-registration at Kfz-Zulassung.